LACASA Brochure

LACASA Architects

& Engineering Consultants

Created by Master Artisans

One of the most accomplished multidisciplinary architectural firms in the Middle East, LACASA has garnered a reputation for its design expertise, as well as for the creative and practical strategies it brings to complex developments. Its focus is on finding the right solution for each project that is based on the client’s individual needs, and achieves this through financial analysis, a deep understanding of sustainable design, aesthetic value, and a sensibility to the defining cultural characteristics of the community.

The firm was established in 2006, with its core values, then as now, incorporating innovation, excellence, integrity, accountability, environmental awareness and stewardship, environmental spirit, and teamwork. These values define the entire business philosophy of LACASA and are critical to its ongoing success.

Working with major developers throughout the UAE and Qatar, LACASA has a diverse portfolio of more than 480 projects that take in all types of developments, from residential, commercial and hospitality through to mixed-use developments, master plans and interior design. Moreover, the firm has the ability to work across a broad array of styles, responding to the unique needs of each client and the individual requirements of each site. This unrivalled creativity and expertise goes a long way to explaining how LACASA has increased its turnover from AED 5 million to AED 150 million in just over 10 years.

An Opportunity Not to be Missed

The LACASA story began 11 years ago when Managing Partner Emad Jaber realised that he wanted to implement his own vision after working for other firms in the Gulf for over 30 years. Consequently, with co-founder Nabil Al Khaja, he launched LACASA in order to bring to the market what he perceived was lacking.

When the firm first opened its doors for business, it employed more than just the two partners; there were 22 design professionals to begin with, which grew into over 250 in a little over two years. The reason for this dramatic growth was that LACASA had to capitalise on the boom in the market in Dubai - this was an opportunity that could not be missed.

Of course, the global economic crash affected LACASA just as it did everyone else, with the firm having to restructure. However, the quality of its workmanship shone through, and since those dark days the firm has continued to evolve and expand.

Landmark Projects

A Grade A firm, LACASA employees a highly qualified team of over 300 professionals who have extensive expertise across numerous specialist disciplines, including concept design, structural, MEP, interior design, and construction supervision. Whatever the brief, though, the firm is 100% committed to exceeding the expectations of its clients at all times, achieving design excellence, improving local communities, and respecting the heritage, culture and environment of the geographical territories in which it operates. At the present time, LACASA is working on a number of landmark projects, including the new Novotel in Downtown Dubai. Construction of the property, which is located on Burj Khalifa Street, began in February 2017 and will offer an upper-midscale option in an area with largely upscale and luxury options. Facilities will include 266 guestrooms +72 serviced apartments, five food and beverage outlets, including an all-day restaurant, sports bar, rooftop lounge bar and lobby café, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, health club and spa. Novotel Downtown Dubai, which is expected to open prior to Expo 2020, will be among the first Novotels in the region to feature the N’Room concept, which will provide bed, furniture and entertainment system upgrades.

In the commercial sector, LACASA is working on the new Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) office building, situated in the Gate District on the boulevard facing Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Built at a total investment of AED 205 million, the project has a total built-up area of 200,000 ft.², whilst the premises themselves will offer 160,000 ft.² of office space. The remaining area, measuring 40,000 ft.², will be offered for retail and food and beverage outlets. This will be DIFC’s 11th building and will put the organisation in a prime position to leverage new opportunities and accelerate its growth.

Other projects underway at the present time, in various stages of design and development, include:

• Atlantis Staff Accommodation: a G+2P+13 hospitality project in Dubai being built on a 110,930m² site.

• Belgravia – 6: a B+G+4 residential building in Dubai being built on a 31,932m² site.

• Al Ghurair Residence: a B+G+4 residential building in Dubai being built on a 37,773m² plot.

• DAMAC Showroom: a 3B+G+2 commercial building in Dubai being built on a 5644m² site.

Further projects include a B+G+M+5P+18 mixed-use building in Dubai; a G+1 school in Doha; a 2B+G+M+3 commercial building in Doha; and a B+G+1 Wipro GE Medical System commercial building in Bangalore, India.

Then there is a 3B+G+7/8 mixed-use development being constructed at Dubai Wharf, which, located in the Cultural Village in Dubai’s Jaddaf district, will form part of a wider development that was conceived as a contemporary arabesque town on the waterfront. It is principally known for embracing culture, heritage and art through the up-to-the-minute architecture of its residences and the diversity of its retail offerings.

A Broad Portfolio of Services

LACASA is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality designs and services. Whilst it is said that nothing is perfect, the firm believes that perfection in design can be achieved by cultivating extraordinary and diverse talent. Its management does so by supporting its team of architects as they learn, innovate and evolve. LACASA’s aim isn’t only to keep up with the changing trends in the industry, but also to influence it and contribute to the advancement of architecture in the region. The firm offers a variety of specialist services, taking in Project Management, Architectural Design, MEP Design, Structural Design, Interior Design, and Supervision.

Project Management

At LACASA, each project is assigned to a dedicated Project Manager who takes full responsibility, coordinating between the client, the firm’s architects and engineers, and all subcontractors in order to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The Project Manager communicates constantly with the client and is always on hand to receive feedback, resolve any problems, and ensure that all requirements are met.

Architectural Design

From well organised space plans through to breathtaking facades, LACASA’s team of highly qualified and talented architects have been behind a wide variety of outstanding developments in the region. Thanks to their diverse professional backgrounds, the concept team can transform the client’s requirements into space efficient floor plans and 3D models that undoubtedly stand out. The firm’s creative and highly capable Design Development team will then detail these drawings, incorporating MEP systems and structural design in order to present the client with comprehensive, ready-to-build architectural drawings.

MEP Design

LACASA’s team of highly knowledgeable electrical and mechanical engineers advise clients on and recommend highly efficient systems that meet their exact requirements. These services range from basic load calculations and breakdowns through to exceedingly advanced Green Building compliance.

Structural Design

The firm’s highly experienced structural engineers study, analyse and advise clients on which structural systems to use. They will design the structure of the project starting from the enabling works all the way through to superstructures. They work with the concept architects and design development architects to ensure that the most effective structural design is implemented.

Interior Design

It is said that one should never judge a book by its cover, and whilst LACASA’s ‘covers’ are universally agreed to be exceptional, the firm is committed to ensuring that the interior matches the excellence of the exterior. Indeed, every meticulously designed facade deserves an equally detailed and aesthetically pleasing interior. As a result, once the basics are done the firm’s team of highly talented

interior designers are brought in to add the final touches. Based on the client’s requirements, the interior design department will advise on which styles, colours and features to adapt and then present them with very detailed renderings. The interior design team has vast experience, covering everything from private villas through to five-star hotels.

Supervision

Once the design is completed and approved, LACASA moves forward to construction. Its team of Quantity Surveyors help the client to choose the optimal materials and finishes in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness. On-site, its experienced Project Managers are present along with the contractors at all times throughout the construction period to make sure that the designs are carried out as planned.

Finding the Client’s Unique Expression

Looking to the future, LACASA will concentrate on the Gulf market over the next five years. However, it already has its sights set on a much wider vision, and after 2022 will look to become active across the MENA region, including currently troubled territories such as Iraq, Syria and Libya. This approach ties in perfectly with founder and Managing Partner Emad Jaber’s philosophy, which is to establish a good reputation and help people by not only offering them jobs, but also through designing communities that inspire.

No matter in which country the firm operates, its design approach is, and will continue to be, collaborative in nature, with LACASA working closely with clients, team members and stakeholder groups to find the optimum solution to any design challenge. Due to its vast expertise and experience, the firm is able to arrive at multiple solutions that take into account context, environment, culture and technology. This has resulted in designs that are not pre-established, but instead provide specific responses to each individual project.

LACASA’s Vision is to:

• Complete every project to the satisfaction of the client.

• Exceed clients’ expectations and needs for design, value, cost effectiveness and schedule.

• Create meaningful designs and spaces that are responsive to the local setting.

• Produce sustainable projects that utilise materials and systems that are environmentally friendly.

• Excel in design practice by incessantly exploring and researching unique methods, technology and designs.

• Continue to develop and challenge young design professionals in order to create outstanding solutions.

LACASA’s pursuit of design excellence is achieved through years of experience, research, creativity, and a passionate team that is eager to engage in every single challenge that arises. The firm’s portfolio, which showcases satisfied clients from both throughout the region and further afield, is a testament to over a decade of high quality and gifted multidisciplinary design services. The final aim of LACASA is to guide the client through a design process that will allow the firm to discover and implement the client’s unique expression.

ASSA ABLOY Hospitality

VingCard Allure

With its unique design and exceptional features, hotel locking solutions are brought to a new level. By moving hardware from the guestroom doors to the walls, you are left with a sleek and minimalistic environment where the VingCard Allure is part of the interior design.

VingCard Allure lock is compatible with ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Mobile Access Solution.

FAÇADE DIVISION

Design, fabrication & installation, The most elegant aluminium & glazing systems, cladding, balustrades, skylights, bi-fold doors and similar related products.

COATING DIVISION

Qualicoat certified for powder coating PEF, SDF, HDF,KYNAR-PVDF & wood finish for all types of achitectural metals.

Touchwood is part of the Sharjah based Bukhatir Group. Started in 1976 as an in-house joinery division of Eastern International, a well known construction firm, Touchwood became a separate entity from 1992. With experience spanning 30 years, Touchwood is well respected in the market for its high quality and capability to handle and complete prestigious projects to required deadlines. Touchwood Head Office is in Sharjah with branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Though Touchwood entered the market as a joinery contractor, within a short span of time, it has started taking up turnkey interiors, shop interiors, and hotel interiors and gradually became the most sought after by clients and consultants for interior projects where quality is of first preference.

Touchwood has worked with leading Consultants and Designers such as Archgroup, ABM Design, Bluehaus Group, Casa Mia, Diar Consultant, DWP, Espacio Design, Fraser Nag Partnership, Hamilton Design, Holfords, Home of Architecture, Hosmac, Intarch International, Lacasa, Khatib & Alami, KL Design, KEO, KCA, LW Design Group, Mace International, Mirage Mille, Turner International, Wrenn Associates, WS Atkins etc.

We are very proud of the result of our work, this year we offer colors, colors that until now had never been imagined in the world of ceramics, new textures, textures that you never thought would be reflected on a ceramic support, new finishes, finishes you never imagined, keep in mind that everything counts, only the best we do.

That is why we offer you the newest product, because this year the newest product, because this year we have surpassed , because we introduced new and better technologies, because this year we introduced new and better technologies, because we have innovated and developed our products suing the best, so enjoy this walk with us.

Our challenge to meet the needs of changing market is to improve every day and grow side by side with you.

We invest our time and knowledge in the constant improvement of both our products and production systems, relying on technology as a basis for doing this.

Proud to be with you. Behind every one of our projects is a team of professionals that ensures your satisfaction.

SAFID was established in 1979 as a joint venture company between the Rahbani group and the NOKIA Company of Finland until it became a whole Saudi company on 1992. SAFID then expanded across national borders to become a regional leader in engineered air solutions, with a comprehensive product portfolio and operations in KSA, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait.

Today, we have diversified into many certified products, including Rectangular Ducts, Double Wall Spiral and Oval, Industrial Products, Dampers, Louvers, Air Terminals, VAVs, Attenuators, Grills & Diffusers, Flexible Ducts, Air Handling Units, etc. This is all backed by more than 36 years of experience along with a state-of-the-art acoustic and aerodynamic laboratory lead by our active R&D Department.

Al Fahad Tiles & Mosaic Factory (Marble Division) was established in 1974, with production of mosaic tiles successfully diversifying into marble & granite stone processing & installation in the year 1989 at its factory in Al Quoz Industrial area in Dubai U.A.E. AL FAHAD TILES & MOSAIC FACTORY

24087, Dubai,

info@alfahadmarble.com

Compromise ON QUALITY

Power Point Electrical & Mechanical Works LLC was established in 1996 in the Emirate of Dubai to contribute in the emerging Construction Industry of UAE. The Company majority partner is the Al Shafar Group, a leading conglomerate established in the year 1968, envisioned by its Chairman Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ali Al Shafar and has a group of 30+ diversified companies with business interests in local and global markets. Minority shareholder of the Company is Mr. Vincent Gerard Rozario who is managing the day to day affairs of the company with around 30 years of MEP experience in the UAE. Power Point is primarily an electromechanical establishment specializing in turnkey high rise Commercial and Residential complexes, Industrial projects, Defense projects and multipurpose Stadium Lighting up to CCTV transmission levels; TV & Radio broadcast stations etc. Over the years we have demonstrated our abilities by accomplishing a wide range of projects and have been in the forefront of major developments in UAE serving the Government, Semi government and Private sectors. Connected loads of completed projects are; Electrical load is 300+mw, Domestic water supply & drainage is 1.7+million gallons and HVAC is 50,000+tons and growing.

WE THANK ALMIGHTY GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS AND WORK DILIGENTLY TO EXCEED OUR CLIENTS EXPECTATIONS.

Abanos Furniture & Decoration Industry LLC

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP IN EVERY DETAIL

Abanos, a member of the ECC Group, has been a growing fi t-out and joinery company in the Middle East since 1985, and is committed to retaining its position as a leader in the industry through engaging a holistic and sustainable approach to projects. By auditing and upgrading the processes and methodologies of work, it continues to improve the efficiency and quality, always adhering to a sustainable approach.

Located in Dubai Investment Park, Abanos boasts a huge manufacturing facility of 15,000m2, with state-of-the-art machinery for wood-cutting, molding, carving, veneering, laminating and painting. Whether it is the fit-out of a restaurant (such as At. Mosphere), complete joinery works of a university (Zayed University), Etihad Museum, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, or large specialized fi re-rated doors and acoustic paneling for auditoriums (like the World Trade Centre Exhibition Hall), the company’s large joinery fabrication set-up, coupled with its staff of skilled craftsmen, engineers, interior designers and fit-out team, are able to deliver on any project. The in-house maintenance team, along with stringent quality control standards, ensure that all equipment is up-to-date and running

smoothly, hence maintaining the highest of standards.

A Group Effort

With the region constantly evolving and changing, Abanos is seeing a huge demand in the healthcare, education, housing and tourism sectors, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

At the present time, Abanos is working on a number of important and prestigious projects, including Hyati Residence, a residential project in JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle) that comprises two rows of G+two-story townhouses and a fourstory apartment building. This project is unique because it is being delivered by all of the sister companies within the ECC Group, along with Lacasa who are the consultants. Aurora Real Estate Development is the developer, ECC the main contractor, Abanos the subcontractor for joinery and fi t-out work, United Masters Electromechanical for mechanical electrical and plumbing works, Prime Metal Industries for steel and aluminum work, and ECC Maintenance for the facilities management work post completion. Particular challenges for Abanos on this project were focused on the type and color of the wood

finish selected by the client/developer and the townhouse staircases. The chosen style and color for the wood finishes of doors and joinery work is of a contemporary approach that needed to be executed very carefully in order to satisfy both the developer and the end user’s taste, while the single stringer steel staircase, with no vertical supports, involved skilled and intricate detailed work to achieve a harmonious look between the steel structure and the wooden threads (steps) and handrail.

Abanos has also worked on many complex projects such as the Four Seasons Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the Fit-out of the Etihad Museum in Dubai, and the Dubai Design District. These projects and Hayati are projects that reflect the true embodiment of the group’s collaborative teamwork, excellence and efficiency in coordination with deliverability.

Looking to the future, Abanos’s plans involve being able to continuously respond to the market’s demands and needs, whilst evolving with the industry’s most up-to-date practices, both in the field of manufacturing and fit-out services.

Exceed Your Highest Expectations

Established in the Republic of Ireland in 2001, Airolink first opened its doors for business in the UAE in 2008, arriving in the country as the prime funder for the NATO and American base, carrying out projects in Al Minha and then Al Tafrah. Since then, it has successfully completed a broad range of projects, from the Salaam Street Tunnel in Abu Dhabi through to the Bright Riders School, also in the capital.

There is still a growing demand for schools and big scope for education in the UAE at the present time, although the hospitality sector is another area that continues to expand. The reason for this is that the UAE is increasingly recognised as an especially safe and prosperous place to live and work. And Airolink is ideally placed to help the nation to continue to grow, with a skilled workforce of 2000 personnel and a further 1000 people being recruited during 2017.

The company’s central project at the present time is Art Center, and it is going to be one of the biggest luxury furniture malls in the UAE. Architectural wise, it is going to be one of the iconic structures in Al Barsha. The timeframe to completion is tight, but Airolink is using technology and advanced techniques to speed everything up.

Meanwhile, in Al Mamzar, a shopping centre and hotel development is currently under construction, and this is something that is badly needed in the area, which has been traditionally renowned for its beach; there is currently no accommodation and no hospitality there, so this new project will also be iconic and will incorporate a 380-room hotel. It is scheduled to be opened in 2019.

Back in the education arena, Dubai Heights Academy is a British curriculum school that will have capacity for 2200 students. It will be a high-end school as regards its operation, and this is being underlined in the quality standards of the building, which is undeniably luxurious. It encompasses a wide range of modern facilities, including a swimming pool, with Phase 1 set to be completed by September of this year and Phase 2 just three months later in December. As a result, the school will be ready to open for the next academic year.

A further project in Al Barsha, housing 4000 students, is a single campus school and a college with a British and American curriculum owned by Bloom Developers, one of

the biggest developers in Abu Dhabi. The project, which began in May of this year, is scheduled for handover in September 2018.

Airolink has focused on the education sector over the last couple of years, as there is currently a huge demand for schools within the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, although it now seems that this vital sector is coming to saturation point. Consequently, Airolink will be focusing more closely on other sectors in the months and years ahead.

Looking to the future, Airolink has a three-year vision, with the company currently chasing a couple of projects worth nearly AED 3 billion, whilst looking at AED 4.2 billion worth of projects in Q1 of 2017. The new projects are on the industrial front in non-oil sectors. The company is also planning to increase its workforce to more than 4000; a target that is expects to reach in 2018.

The substantial growth of Airolink resulted in establishing ‘Airolink Building Contracting LLC, Dubai’ and ‘Airolink International Construction LLC, Abu Dhabi’, both of which respond promptly and professionally to all clients’ requirements and requests. Moreover, Airolink is committed to developing new services and techniques aimed at augmenting the business in the long-term, ensuring that it continues to benefit clients at every stage of the construction cycle and through to successful project delivery.

About Airolink Group

Airolink traces its origin back in Europe whereby Airolink was set up in 2001 to cater to the specialised needs of a booming construction industry in Ireland (2001-2008). It was during this period that the company cemented the foundations of its legacy, through comprehensive management controls, highly competitive pricing and a bottom line commitment to quality.

As a result of the company’s professional endeavour, Airolink became synonymous with speed, quality and price competitiveness, particularly within investment circles eager to start recouping their investments at the earliest possible stages. The company was subsequently awarded many large scale commercial, industrial and residential projects which it consistently executed to a very high standard.

Having established in Europe, Airolink expanded to Middle East with some of the prestigious contracts in UAE in 2008 establishing Airolink Building Contracting LLC in Dubai.

Further in 2012 Airolink bought over a Grade 1 Turkey based Contracting company in Abu Dhabi with a history of 12 years and established Airolink International Construction.

The company, which has a strong presence in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ireland markets, employs more than 2,000 employees including the recently hired workforce.

P.O. BOX 123969, DUBAI, UAE

T: +971 4 4475444

E: INFO@LACASA.AE W: WWW.LACASA.AE

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